Adolescent Migraine in Klang Valley, Malaysia: Identifying Prevalence and Common Triggers Through a Cross-Sectional Approach

Authors

  • Kiruthika Selvakumar Department of Physiotherapy, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2668-1927
  • Ong Chuu Chyi Department of Physiotherapy, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i2.1749

Keywords:

Migraine, Prevalence, Adolescents, Trigger Factors

Abstract

Background Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder affecting adolescents, yet its prevalence and triggers remain underexplored in Malaysia. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for early intervention and prevention strategies. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of adolescent migraine in Klang Valley, Malaysia, and assess common trigger factors, particularly their associations with gender and academic grade. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 14–18 years (n = 393) using convenience sampling. Participants completed an online survey, including the validated Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q) for migraine prevalence and a trigger factor assessment adapted from prior studies. Data were analyzed using SPSS v27, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and significance testing (p < 0.05). Ethical approval was granted by the UTAR Scientific and Ethical Review Committee (U/SERC/224/2022), ensuring compliance with the Helsinki Declaration. Results: The prevalence of suspected migraine was 6.9%, with sensitivity to light/noise (64.1%) and restricted physical/intellectual activity (78.4%) being the most reported symptoms. Significant correlations were found between migraine triggers and gender, particularly electronic device use (r = 0.284, p = 0.001), lack of sleep (r = 0.270, p = 0.002), and emotional stress (r = 0.204, p = 0.011). Academic stress was significantly associated with migraine (p = 0.009), but study hours showed no significant correlation (p = 0.412). Conclusion: Academic stress, sleep disturbances, electronic device use, and dehydration were significant migraine triggers among adolescents. Findings highlight the need for school-based stress management, sleep hygiene education, and digital screen regulation to mitigate migraine risk. Future research should explore longitudinal patterns and targeted interventions for adolescent migraine prevention.

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Published

2025-02-28

How to Cite

Selvakumar, K., & Ong Chuu Chyi. (2025). Adolescent Migraine in Klang Valley, Malaysia: Identifying Prevalence and Common Triggers Through a Cross-Sectional Approach. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 5(2), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i2.1749

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 2 (February 2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Kiruthika Selvakumar, Ong Chuu Chyi

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